Addis Ababa: 10-Day Simien Mountains & Lalibela Tour

Discover Ethiopia's rich history and stunning landscapes on a 10-day tour. Explore Gondar's castles, hike in the Simien Mountains, and visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Day 1: Addis-Gondar

Take a short morning flight to Gondar, the old mountain capital. Enjoy a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel. Explore Gondar’s rich history, including its medieval castles and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its iconic ceiling of painted angels.

Day 2: Gondar-Sankaber (3250 m)

Drive from Gondar to the park headquarters in Debark. Arrange your permits and pick up your scout. Begin your first hike along the northern edge of the escarpment, encountering gelada baboons and enjoying views over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia.

Day 3: Sankaber-Gich (3600 m), 5-6 hours

Follow the northern escarpment eastward, descending into the Kaba Valley. Climb up to Gich Abyss for a spectacular view of the abyss and a large waterfall. Have lunch at the Jinbar River before walking to Gich camp, a good area to look for lammergeyer and thick-billed raven.

Day 4: Gich (3600 m), 5-6 hours

Walk to the three marvelous viewpoints: Imet-Gogo, Seha, and Kedadit. Spend time at Imet-Gogo, the best observation point in the Simien Mountains. Return to the camp for lunch, then walk to Kedadit for sunset views.

Day 5: Gich-Chennek (3600m), 6-7 hrs

Start with a downhill walk to the Jin Bahir valley, then trek uphill through the dense Erica Arboria forest and fields of Giant Lobelia. Enjoy the grassy and comfortable path through the wide plateau.

Day 6: Chennek-Buwahit-Chennek, 5-6 hrs

Trek uphill and downhill to Mt. Buwahit (4430m), with views of Ras-Dejen (4543m), the highest mountain peak in Ethiopia. Return to Chennek for the night.

Day 7: Chennek-Gondar

Enjoy a morning walk before driving back to Gondar. Spend the night in Gondar.

Day 8: Gondar-Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the monolithic red-hued churches carved into the rock, linked by a network of crevices and tunnels.

Day 9: Lalibela

Visit the eastern group of rock-hewn churches, with intricate carvings and dark tunnels. Travel to the Nakutelab rock-hewn church, built into a natural cave. Participate in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a private home.

Day 10: Lalibela-Addis

Fly back to Addis, concluding your Ethiopian adventure.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.